Grant: Project Grant

In 2016, we conducted a pilot study that evaluated exposure to environmental contaminants (toxicants) in 29 pregnant women living in Northeastern British Columbia. This region is characterized by intense natural gas exploitation by hydraulic fracturing known to release contaminants in the environment. We found that exposure to a toxic solvent (benzene) in these women was four times higher than in the Canadian population; in Indigenous women, exposure to this solvent was six times higher. Exposure to toxic heavy metals was also high. This is concerning because exposure to these contaminants during pregnancy could alter fetal development. To better evaluate the exposure to these contaminants and their potential risks during fetal development, we propose to: 1) Characterize exposure to these chemicals in 100 pregnant women residing in Northeastern British Columbia using urine, hair, indoor air, outdoor air, and drinking water samples. 2) Assess the effect of these chemicals on hormone production during fetal development using in vitro tests. Disruption of hormone production during pregnancy is associated with pregnancy and birth outcomes like pre-eclampsia, small birth weights and pre-term birth. 3) Evaluate associations between natural gas development intensity and exposure levels in pregnant women. 4) Explore social inequities related to exposure to environmental chemicals in Northeastern British Columbia.